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ALPHABETICAL LISTING

Gordon MCPHERSON (b. 1965) Detours (1998/2000)a Maps and Diagrams of Our Pain (1990)b Born of Funk and the Fear of Failing (2000/1)c Allan Neave (guitar)c; David Routledge (violin)b; Richard Casey (piano)b Psappha/Nicholas Kokac Recorded: (live) Brown Shipley Concert Hall, Royal Northern College of Music, April 2001 METIER MSV CD92073 [44:43 + 44:13] [HC]

Listen to the music first, and you will find much to enjoy here. Well worth investigating. ... see Full Review

Gustav MAHLER (1860-1911) Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (1884) [18.00] Frühe Lieder (1880-1890) Thomas Hampson (baritone) David Lutz (piano) Fünf frühe Lieder (1880-1890), orchestrated Berio Sechs frühe Lieder (1880-1890), orchestrated Berio Thomas Hampson (baritone) Philharmonia Orchestra/Luciano Berio Rec January 1992, St Augustine’s Church, London (songs with piano); October 1992, Casino Zögernitz, Vienna (songs with orchestra) WARNER ELATUS 2564 61570 2 [67.39] [TB]

The Berio versions sound so distinctively Mahlerian: the biting attack, the melancholy dreaming, the deeply-felt emotion ... see Full Review

Igor MARKEVITCH (1912-1983) Piano Concerto* (1929) Cantate† (1929-30) Icare (1932, rev. 1943) Martijn van den Hoek (Piano) * Nienke Oostenrijk (soprano) † Men’s voices of the Nederlands Concertcoor † Arnhem Philharmonic Orchestra/Christopher Lyndon-Gee Rec. Musis Sacrum, Arnhem, April 1998, April 1999 DDD MARCO POLO 8.225076 [65:40] [PCW]

Famous this music is not but great it may well be ... see Full Review

Frank MARTIN (1890-1972) Concerto for Harpsichord and Small Orchestra (1951/52) Ballade for Trombone and Orchestra (1940) Ballade for Piano and Orchestra (1939) Christine Jaccottet (harpsichord) Armin Rosin (trombone) Sebastian Benda (piano) Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne/Frank Martin Recorded 1971. ADD JECKLIN DISCO JD 529-2 [46.58] [JW]

Once more Jecklin have flown the Martin flag with character and commitment. ... see Full Review

Giovanni Battista MARTINI (1706-1784) Sacred Vocal Music - Keyboard Sonatas Toccata I [01:36] Beatus vir [04:08] Cantate Domino [03:09] Sonata I per il Cembalo [08:34] Sonata II per l'Organo [05:31] Sonata III per il Cembalo [08:47] Sonata IV per l'Organo [05:54] Sonata V per il Cembalo [08:16] Sonata VI per l'Organo [05:09] Os justi [01:30] Sonata al post communio sui Flauti [03:28] Sonata sui Flauti II [02:30] Mihi autem [01:37] Toccata III [01:31] Toccata per il Deo Gratias [02:36] Oscar Milani, harpsichord*; Norbert Düchtel, organ** Freiburger Domkapelle***; Raimund Hug, positive organ Dir: Boris Böhmann Recorded in November 2002 at the Concert Hall of the Conservatory of Dinkelsbühl (*), March 2003 at the Convent Schwarzenberg (**) & May 2003 at the Abbey of Oberried (***), Germany DDD ARS MUSICI AM 1368-2 [64:25] [JV]

Historically interesting, but musically not entirely satisfying recording of some of Padre Martini's compositions ... see Full Review

Joseph MARX (1882-1964) Alt-Wiener Serenaden (1941-42) [18:36] Partita in Modo Antico (1937-38, arr. 1945) [31:08] Sinfonia in Modo Classico (1940-41, arr. 1944) [25:47] Bochum Symphony Orchestra/Steven Sloane rec. Stadthalle, Wuppertal, Germany, 24-30 April 2003. DDD ASV SANCTUARY CD DCA 1158 [76:45] [RB]

The Marx renaissance opens a fresh chapter here in music that is light-of-heart yet serenely nostalgic. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Joseph MARX (1882-1964) Orchestral Works: Volume 2 – Orchestral Songs Songs for High Voice , Songs for Middle Voice, Verklärtes Jahr Angela Maria Blasi – soprano Stella Doufexis – mezzo Bochum Symphony Orchestra/Steven Sloane Rec. Maximilianpark, Hamm, Germany, September 2003. DDD ASV-SANCTUARY CD DCA1164 [56.35] [RB]

Intrepid as ever ASV bear away the laurels for this audacious and highly accomplished first recording of Marx's songs with orchestra ... see Full Review

Pietro MASCAGNI (1863-1945) Cavalleria Rusticana - melodrama in one act. Santuzza, Zinka Milanov (soprano); Turridu, Jussi Björling (tenor). Alfio, Robert Merrill (bar); Lola, Carol Smith (alto); Mamma Lucia, Margaret Roggero (mezzo) The Robert Shaw Chorale RCA Victor Orchestra/Renato Cellini Recorded January-March 1953 in Manhattan Center, New York. ADD Restoration Engineer: Mark Obert-Thorn NAXOS HISTORICAL GREAT OPERA RECORDINGS 8.110261 [71.07] [RJF]

This issue provides an excellent artefact of a period and generation of singers whose strengths are increasingly appealing as time passes. ... see Full Review

William MATHIAS (1932-1992) Intrada Op. 54 (1971) Songs of William Blake Op. 82 (1979) Horn Concerto Op. 93 (1984) Threnos (1990) Hobed o Hilion (1971) Jeremy Huw Williams (baritone); David Pyatt (horn) Welsh Chamber Orchestra/Anthony Hose Recorded at Wyastone Concert Hall, Monmouth, 11-12 April 2003. DDD METRONOME MET CD 1066 [79:39] [CT]

A welcome new CD that adds valuably to the Mathias discography. ... see Full Review

Siegfried MATTHUS (b. 1934) Manhattan Concerto - For the 70th Birthday of Siegfried MATTHUS Concerto for trumpet, percussion and orchestra (1982) [20’45] (1. Intrada 4’08; 2. Adagio und Passacaglia 5’45; 3. Vivace 2’49; 4. Adagio lamentoso 5’51; 5. Stretta con collera 2’12) Robert Hofmann (trumpet); Michael Gärtner (drums) Orchester Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Saarbrücken/Michael Stern Manhattan Concerto for Orchestra (1994) [21’38] (6. Moderato 4’02; 7. Allegro assai 7’25; 8. Adagio 3’45; 9. Cadenza · Energico 6’26) Stephan V. Böhnlein, Michael Gärtner, Wolfram Winkel, Edgar Guggeis, (percussion) Orchester Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Saarbrücken/Günther Herbig Der Wald - Concerto for percussion and orchestra (1984) [20’03] (10. Andante 8’34; 11. Allegro agitato · Larghetto lugubre e lamentoso 3’49; 12. Rezitativ Allegro energico e marcato · Allegro vivace risoluto 7’40) Michael Gärtner (percussion) Orchester Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Saarbrücken/Günther Herbig Rec, Großen Sendesaal des Funkhauses am Halberg in Saarbrücken, 1 rec, 03.12.1999 - 06.12.1999, 2 06.12.2002 - 07.12.2002; 3 31.03.2003 - 01.04.2003. DDD PERC-PRO 40012004 [62’36] [RB]

Demanding music and not just at technical level. Matthus must be pleased. He has been handsomely served by all concerned especially by Michael Gärtner whose Perc.Pro recording project this is ... see Full Review

Peter MAXWELL DAVIES (b. 1934) An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise (1984) George McIlwham (highland bagpipes) Rec. EMI studios, London, December 1991 Strathclyde Concerto No 7 for double bass and orchestra* (1992) Duncan McTier (double bass) Rec. Usher Hall, Edinburgh, November 1993 Threnody for Michael Vyner† (1989) Rec. Cheltenham Town Hall, July 1991 Piano Concerto (1997) Kathryn Stott (piano) Rec. St. Augustine’s Church, Kilburn, November 1997 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra * Scottish Chamber Orchestra † BBC Philharmonic Orchestra all conducted by the composer MAXOPUS CUSTOM COMPILATION [73:54] [PCW]

This is no ordinary CD - I chose the programme… this excellent venture deserves every support … see Full Review

Billy MAYERL (1902-1959) Sweet William, Jazzaristrix, Song of the Fir Tree, Marigold, Ace of Hearts, Ace of Spades, Bats in the Belfry, Autumn Crocus,. Shallow Waters, Mignonette, Jazz Master Billy MAYERL arrs of Jerome KERN Smoke Gets in your Eyes and Percy FRENCH Phil the Fluter’s Ball George GERSHWIN (1898-1937)
Song arrangements: I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise, Fascinating Rhythm, Oh Lady Be Good, I Got Rhythm; Rhapsody in Blue Zez CONFREY Kitten on the Keys Morton GOULD Boogie Woogie Etude Felix ARNDT Nola Phillip Dyson (piano) Recorded live, London’s Purcell Room, 9 Nov 2002, Celebrating centenary Billy Mayerl’s birth MARIGOLD 010 [54:47 + 43:07] [IL]

A feast for Billy Mayerl fans with titbits from Gershwin and other popular favourites thrown in. ... see Full Review

Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809-47) Psalms CD 1 Psalm 42, op. 42: Wie der Hirsch schreit (As the doe longs for running streams) Psalm 95, op. 46: Kommt laßt uns anbeten (Come in, let us bow) Psalm 115, op. 31: Nicht unserm Namen, Herr (Not unto us, O Lord) CD 2 Psalm 114, op. 51: Da Israel aus Ägypten zog (When Israel came out of Egypt) Hymn op. 96: Lass’, o Herr mich Hülfe finden (Help me, O Lord, to find peace) Psalm 98, op. 91: Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (Sing to the Lord a new song) Lauda Sion (Praise the Lord), op. 73 Gulbenkian Choir and Orchestra/Michel Corboz Recorded at the Eglise de Jesus, Lisbon. February 1977 (Psalms 42 and 95) ADD; July 1987 (Psalms 98, 115 and Lauda Sion); June 1987 (Psalm 114 and op. 96) DDD WARNER CLASSICS APEX 2564 61692-2 [70:37 + 63:07] [MC]

Listeners new to Mendelssohn’s sacred choral works should relish these excellent compositions ... see Full Review

Francesco Saverio MERCADANTE (1795-1870) Musica Sacra e Stile Operatico Messa per due tenori, basso, coro e organo [27'02"] Emanuele D'Aguanno and Gian Luca Zoccatelli (tenors) Yiannis Vassilakis (baritone) Tantum ergo per tenore, coro e organo [6'25"] Emanuele D'Aguanno (tenor) Coenobium Vocale/Maria Dal Bianco with Enrico Zanovello at L'organo della Chiesa Parrocchiale di Agugliaro, Vicenza. (Organo De Lorenzi 1870) Recorded at the Chiesa Parrocchiale di Agugliare, Vicenza on 6 and 11 November 2003. Grande Sinfonia sopra i motivi dello Stabat Mater del celebre Rossini [13'47"] Enrico Zanovello (organo) Sinfonia Caratteristica nell'opera "I due Figaro" del Mo. Mercadante [7'54"] ridotta per due organi da Giuseppe Dalla Vecchia (Vicenza 1806 - ivi 1848) (Fandango, Bolero, Tirana) Enrico Zanovello (organo); Marco Ruggiero (Secondo organo positivo Serassi 1836) Sinfonia per organo omaggio a Bellini del Cavalieri Saverio Mercadante [11'46"] ridotta per organo Enrico Zanovello (organo) Recorded at the Basilica di Santa Maria di Campagna, Piacenza on the Organo F.lli Serassi (1825-1838) on 19 November 2003 TACTUS TC 791301 [66'54"] [JPo]

Paucity of invention and even triteness ... one becomes rapidly disenchanted ... see Full Review

Darius MILHAUD (1892-1974) Symphony No. 1, Op. 210 (1939) [27:21] Symphony No. 2, Op. 247 (1944) [27:03] Suite provençale, Op. 152b (1936) [14:03] Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse/Michel Plasson Rec. June 1991, Halle aux Grains, Toulouse. DDD Originally recorded in association with Association des Industriels et Entreprises Amis de l'Orchestre du Capitole de Toulouse and first released as DG 435 437-2GH DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON 476 2197 [69:49] [RB]

The present disc at mid-price is a great bargain and opens the door to Milhaud’s distinctive brand of moody symphonism and blithe pastoral innocence. ... see Full Review

BARGAIN OF THE MONTH Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) Tempro la cetra (1619) [9:08] Il ballo delle ingrate (1608) [34:10] Tirsi e Clori (1615) [9.20] Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda (1624) [22:59] John Potter, tenor; Barbara Borden, soprano; Päivi Järviö, mezzo soprano; Harry van der Kamp bass; Suzie le Blanc, soprano; Dougnal Nasrawi, tenor; Cesare Righetti, baritone. Tragicomedia/Stephen Stubbs Rec. Kleiner Sendesaal, Sender Freieis, Berlin, 21-23 September 1992 WARNER APEX 2564 61781-2 [78:01] [JF]

Essential listening for all Monteverdi enthusiasts. Here are the some of the composer’s superb essays in opera from the ‘lost years’. A must-have for all opera lovers. ... see Full Review


Beata MOON Earthshine
Movement - String Quartet Illusions-Marimba solo 2. Prelude 3. Tenderly 4. With intense energy Nursery-Piano solo - Reflectively Guernica-Piano solo -. Vivace String Quartet 7. Suspended; 8. Scherzo; 9. Flowing; 10. Eerie; 11. Energetic 1,2,3-Alto Saxophone solo 12. Driving; intense energy; 13. Soulful; sincere; 14. Flowing Vignettes-Electric Guitar/Piano - Spirited Three Songs 16. I Corinthians 13 (Soprano/Baritone duet); 17. John 3:16 (Baritone solo); 18. Psalm 121 (Soprano solo) Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer's Day- Soprano/Baritone - Lovingly Wind Quintet 20. Allegro; with rhythmic vitality; 21 Introduction; Soulful; 22 Playful; with rhythmic vitality BIBIMBOP RECORDS 02B56 [72:24]
Perigee and apogee Safari David Fedele, flute; tom Chiu, violin; Makoto Nakura, marimba; Thomas Kolor, percussion; Beata Moon, piano Piano Fantasy Beata Moon, piano Moonpaths Alan Kay, clarinet; Karen Marx, violin; Beata Moon, piano Submerged Beata Moon, piano Antelope Vamp Tom Chiu, electric violin; Makato Nakura, vibraphone; Thomas Kolor, percussion; Beata Moon, piano Winter Sky Chin Kim, violin; Beata Moon, piano In Transit Beata Moon, piano Mary Joan La Barbara, soprano; Tom Chiu, violin; Danny Mallon, percussion; Beata Moon, piano Prelude Beata Moon, piano ALBANY TROY426 [63:21] [RB]

A composer of many facets: populist, jazzy, bleak, modernist, minimalist. She has it in her to grip the listener and a number of pieces here are on a first hearing extremely attractive. ... see Full Review

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART (1756-1791) Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 12 in A, K414 [26:33] Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 20 in d minor, K466 [31:21] Six German Dances, K571 [10:22] Prelude and Fugue in C K394 [10:06] Rudolf Serkin, piano English Chamber Orchestra/Alexander Schneider Recorded at the Guildhall, London (Concerti, German Dances) 23 July 1966; Royal Festival Hall, London (Prelude and Fugue) 13 May 1968. MONO IMG ARTISTS - BBC LEGENDS BBCL 4157-2 [79:18] [KS]

A very fine slice of history indeed, and one that should interest and delight a broad spectrum of listeners. Recommended. ... see Full Review

Carl NIELSEN (1865-1931) The Six Symphonies CD1 Symphony No. 1 FS16 (1892) [37.01] Symphony No. 4 The Inextinguishable FS76 (1916) [37.04] CD2
Symphony No. 2 The Four Temperaments FS29 (1902) [32.21] Symphony No. 3 Sinfonia Espansiva FS60 (1911) [35.26] CD3 Symphony No. 5 FS97 (1922) [35.34] Symphony No. 6 Sinfonia Semplice FS116 (1925) [33.58] Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra/Gennady Rozhdestvensky Solveig Kringelborn (sop); Karl-Magnus Fredriksson (bar) (3); Roland Johansson, Lars Hammerteg (timpani) (4); Sölve Kingstedt (clarinet); Daniel Kåse (snare drum) (5). rec. Stockholm Concert Hall, 13-14 Sept 1993 (1); 14-18 Mar 1994 (2, 3); 16-17 Nov 1992 (4); 14-15 Sept 1993 (5); 16, 19 Nov 1992 (6) CHANDOS CLASSICS CHAN 10271(3)X [74.13 + 77.36 + 71.43] [RB]

Ultimately too much of a good thing ... some misfires but the recording quality and Rozhdestvensky's eye for detail make for sometimes surprisingly pleasing listening. Not to be so easily dismissed but not a library choice ... see Full Review

Gösta NYSTROEM (1890-1966) Sinfonia Shakespeariana - Symphony No. 4 (1951/52) [25:14] (I. Lento - Allegro - Lento [8'31]; II. Allegro scherzando [5'20]; III. Allegro [11'23]) Sinfonia tramontana - Symphony No.6 (1965) [28:11] (I. Lento - Allegro molto scherzando - Lento [15'08]; II. Lento - Allegro - Andante [13'03]) Malmö Symphony Orchestra/B Tommy Andersson Rec. Malmö Concert Hall, Sweden, Feb 2002 (4); Sept 2003 (6). DDD BIS-CD-1082 [53:25] [RB]

A courageous enterprise which now means that all the Nystroem symphonies have been commercially made. While not in the Del Mare category these are important and highly individual works superbly performed and recorded ... see Full Review

Jacques OFFENBACH (1819-1880) Les Contes d’Hoffmann René Maison (tenor) - Hoffmann Vina Bovy (soprano) – Olympia, Giulietta, Antonia, Stella Laurence Tibbett (baritone) - Lindorf, Coppelius, Daperutto, Miracle Angelo Badà (tenor) – Andres, Cochenille, Pitichinaccio, Frantz Irra Petina (soprano) – Nicklausse Norman Cordon (baritone) – Schlemil Luis d'Angelo (baritone) – Spalanzani, Crespel Anna Kaskas – Mother Arnold Gabor – Luther Wilfred Engelman – Hermann George Rasely - Nathanaël Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera/Maurice Abravanel Recorded at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, 23 January 1937 GUILD GHCD 2315/16 [64.55 + 79.41] [JW]

A splendid night and its restoration on disc has been accomplished with skill and care ... see Full Review

Georges ONSLOW (1784-1853) Symphony No.1 in A major Op.41 (1831) Symphony No.3 in F minor (1834) NDR Radiophilharmonie/Johannes Goritzki Recorded NDR Grosser Sendesaal, March and April 2002 CPO 999 747-2 [64.23] [JW]

Music-making that is detailed, colourful and serious. Onslow’s is a voice that should be heard and not simply in relation to other bigger names. ... see Full Review

Ignacy Jan PADEREWSKI (1860-1941) Manru - opera: a lyrical drama in three acts (1899-1900) To a libretto in German by Alfred Nossig on Josef Ignacy Kraszewski’s novel ‘The Hut Behind the Village’ Taras Ivaniv (ten) - Manru Ewa Czermak (sop) - Ulana Barbara Krahel (mezzo) - Jadwiga Agnieszka Rehlis (mezzo) - Aza Radosław Żukowski (bass) - Jagu Maciej Krzysztyniak (bar) - Urok Zbigniew Kryczka (bass-bar) - Oroz Dorota Dutkowska (mezzo) - A girl Andrzej Kalinin (ten) - Voice from the Mountains Stanisław Czermak - violin solo Chorus of the Lower Silesian Opera in Wrocław/Małgorzata Orawska Orchestra of the Lower Silesian Opera in Wrocław/Ewa Michnik rec. live, Great Studio, Polish Radio, Wrocław, March 2001. DDD world premiere recording DUX 0368/0369 [68:44 + 41:27] [RB]

An overwhelmingly confident operatic entry ready made for anyone already partial to the operatic Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov and late-romantic folk-drama. You will not be disappointed. ... see Full Review

RECORDING OF THE MONTH Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c.1525-1594) Live in Rome - Celebrating Palestrina’s 400th Anniversary Surge, illuminare [3:16] Missa Papae Marcelli [33:02] Stabat Mater [10:01] Alma Redemptoris Mater [3.33] Magnificat primi toni (8 voices) [8:40] Nunc Dimitis (8 voices) [4:06] Missa Brevis [21:29] – Audio only Missa Assumpta est Maria [29:51] – Audio only Gregorio Allegri (1582-1652) Miserere [13.52] N.B. Dating of Palestrina’s music is debatable. The Tallis Scholars, directed by Peter Phillips
Deborah Roberts, soprano (in Allegri’s Miserere) Filmed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on February 2nd & 3rd 1994 Audio tracks:- Missa Brevis in Merton College Oxford (undated) Missa Assumpta est Maria in Salle Church, Norfolk (undated) GIMDN 904 NTSC format GIMELL GIMDP 903 PAL [c.80 mins film; c.60 mins audio] [JF]

This is a stunning DVD. Not only some of the most moving choral music in the world but also views of one of the finest churches in Christendom. The next best thing to being in paradise! ... see Full Review

Andrzej PANUFNIK (1914-1991) Symphony No. 9 Sinfonia della Speranza (1986-1990) [40:54] Piano Concerto (1962-1982) [23:45] Ewa Pobłocka (piano) London Symphony Orchestra/Andrzej Panufnik rec. 7-9 June 1991, Henry Wood Hall, London. DDD BMG CATALYST 8287 664280 2 [64:59] [RB]

A distinguished contribution to the catalogue and one with many rewards ... this undervalued but valuable music. ... see Full Review

Wilhelm PETERSON-BERGER (1867–1942) The Complete Piano Music - Volume 3 Swedish folk music set for the piano (Dalsland reel – Waltz song from Ångermanland – Ebba Brahe’s reel – Old song reel – Reel from Jämtland); Entry of the June King; Memories of travel (On the road – Sunshine rain - The ladies of the manor – Distant view – Past); Earina (Invocation – Floral offering – Consecrating the weapons – Temple rite – The rhapsodist sings – Runes of good fortune – Promise); Three album leafs in dance-form (Menuett – Gavott – Vals); September Olof Höjer (piano) Rec. Swedish Broadcasting Corporation, Studio 2, Stockholm, 2 – 4 September 2003 SWEDISH SOCIETY DISCOFIL SCD 1088 [76:31] [GF]

Musical by-ways these may be, but to wander them in the company of Peterson-Berger and Olof Höjer is a pleasure indeed. ... see Full Review

Giacomo PUCCINI (1858-1924) La Boheme - Adapted by Kevin Hocking as a ballet CD 1 Act 1 Garret scene Mimi's entrance - Rodolfo tells his story Mimi tells her story Falling in love duet Act 2 Cafe Momus Babette's solo The Revue - Introduction The Revue - Divertissement 1 The Revue - Divertissement 2 Rodolfo's dream - Mimi/Rodolfo duet The Revue - Divertissement 3 The Revue - Divertissement 4 CD 2 Act 2 (continued) Alcindoro and Musetta enter Musetta's solo and pas de deux with Marcello Cafe patrons exit. Tango with Madame Bijoux and Henri Rodolfo's inebriated hallucination. Mimi and Rodolfo's angry duet Frontcloth scene. Marcello comforts Mimi Double duet - Mimi, Rodolfo, Musetta and Marcello go their separate ways till Act 3 Garret scene, final pas de deux - Mimi and Rodolfo Mimi's death Recorded November 2003, January and February 2004 at Studio 520, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Perth, Western Australia West Australian Ballet West Australian Symphony Orchestra/Director Dobbs Franks ABC CLASSICS 476 199-9[57.46 + 59.05] [RJF]

The recording quality is clear and open. The orchestra plays with panache under the lyrical guidance of the conductor Dobbs Franks. ... see Full Review

Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Piano Concerto no.1 in F sharp minor op.1 [26 :02], Piano Concerto no.2 in C minor op.18 [32 :26], Piano Concerto no.3 in D minor op.30 [38 :23], Piano Concerto no.4 in G minor op.40 [24 :35], Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini op.43 [23 :44] Stephen Hough (piano) Dallas Symphony Orchestra/Andrew Litton Rhapsody recorded 29th June 2003 and the Concertos recorded live during April and May 2004 at the Eugene McDermott Concert Hall, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas HYPERION CDA67501/2 [74:41 + 70:54] [CH]

Some fleet playing but Concertos 2 and (especially) 3 are too superficial to make the cycle recommendable as a whole. ... see Full Review

Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Piano concerto No.3 in D minor Op.30 (1909) The Isle of the Dead – Symphonic poem Op.29 (1909) Andreas Jetter (piano) Philharmonia Moldova/Dietrich Schöller-Manno Recorded at the Concert Hall of Iasi State Philharmonic, Romania, September, 1997 (Concerto) and February, 1999 (The Isle of the Dead) ANTES EDITION BM CD 31.9203 [65.26] [JW]

Not the strongest and unflattering recording ... see Full Review

Sergey RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) Sonata for Cello and Piano in G minor Op.19 (1901) Dmitry SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975) Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor Op.40 (1934) Alfred SCHNITTKE (1934-1998) Suite in the Old Style (1972) Arr. Daniel Shafran Leonid Gorokhov (Cello) Nikolai Demidenko (Piano) Rec. The Music Room, Champs Hill, Pulborough, Sussex in February 2004 DDD ASV GOLD GLD 4006 [78:17] [PCW]

The Rachmaninov is a "hit" but the Shostakovich a "miss" … see Full Review

Sergei RACHMANINOV: (1873 - 1943) Vespers – All Night Vigil (1915) Raissa Palmu (soprano), Erja Wimeri (contralto) Eugen Antoni (tenor) Finnish National Opera Chorus/Eric-Olof Söderströmrecorded in St. John Church, Helsinki, 1st April, 29th, 30th 31st May, 1st June, 2001. DDD NAXOS 8.555908 [54’00"] [JPh]

Because of the contralto soloist this disc is un-recommendable. ... see Full Review

Sergei RACHMANINOV (1873-1943) The Miserly Knight Op. 24 - an opera in three scenes (1906) Libretto from the 'Little Tragedy' by Alexander Pushkin Prelude [7:43] Scene 1 In the Tower [17:33] Scene 2 In the Cellar [22:56] Scene 3 At the Palace [12:12] The Baron - Mikhail Guzhov (bass) Albert, his son - Vsevolod Grivnov (ten) The Duke - Andre Baturkin (bar) Jewish Moneylender - Borislav Molchanov (ten) Servant - Vitaly Efanov (bass) Russian State Symphony Orchestra/Valeri Polyansky rec. Grand Hal, Moscow Conservatory, Oct 2003, DDD CHANDOS CHAN 10264 [60:30] [RB]

The full package handsomely performed and recorded with complete text and presented in the current ultimate in sound quality. ... see Full Review

Music from Estonia, Vol. 1 Kaljo RAID (b. 1921) Symphony No. 1 in C minor (1944): Funebre, energico, [15.38] +Vivace, meno allegretto, [8.31] +Andante, poco maestoso, [13.16] [37.31] Heino ELLER (1887-1970) Elegia for Harp and Strings (1931) [12.59] Five Pieces for String Orchestra (1953): Andante con moto, 5.34 +Allegretto moderato, 1.21 +Vivo, 1.40 +Lento assai poco rubato, 2.13 +Cantando espressivo, 4.20 [15.21] Tone poem "Dawn" (1918) [8.10] Scottish National Orchestra/Neeme Järvi Recorded August 1986 at SNO Centre, Glasgow CHANDOS CHAN 8525 [74.20]
Kaljo RAID (b. 1921)
Stockholm Symphony (Symphony No. 2): Allegretto, [7.22] +Adagio, [8.10] +Allegro giocoso, [5.33] +Larghetto, [5.54] +Allegro moderato e risoluto, [9.30] Eduard TUBIN (1905-1982) Elegy for Strings (arr. Kaljo RAID) [2.33] Unfinished Symphony (Symphony No. 11) (orchestration completed by Kaljo RAID) Allegro vivace, con spirito [8.51] Estonian State Symphony Orchestra/Arvo Volmer Recorded April 1990-January 1992, Radio House, Tallinn, Estonia KOCH INTERNATIONAL CLASSICS 3-7291-2H1 [48.17] [LN]

Raid Symphony No. 1: a symphony ... of powerful discourse. Its impact is like the first movement of Walton No. 1. Symphony No. 2: a trace of sardonic humor and lofty, spiritual writing ... see Full Review

Jean Philippe Rameau (1683 – 1764) Hippolyte et Aricie – Orchestral Suite La Petite Bande/Sigiswald Kuijken Recorded June 1978, Scholosskirche, Scheiden. DEUTSCHE HARMONIA MUNDI 74321 935542 [51.39] [RH]

A reissue of the 1979 recording of a selection of the purely instrumental movements from Rameau’s first opera. ... see Full Review

Max REGER (1873-1916) Variations and Fugue on a theme of J. S. Bach, Op. 81 (1904) [30’14]. Variations and Fugue on a theme of G. P. Telemann, Op. 134 (1914) [39’55]. Mark Latimer (piano). Rec. All Saints’ Church, Petersham on April 4th and 5th, 1994. DDD WARNER CLASSICS 2564 61718-2 [70’19] [CC]

Very strongly recommended. Latimer’s belief in this music is clear, his technique fully up to the challenges. ... see Full Review

Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879-1936) Ancient Dances and Airs for Lute Suites Nos: 1, for orchestra (1917); 2, for chamber orchestra (1924); 3, for strings (1932) Philharmonia Hungarica/Antal Dorati Recorded: Grosser Saal, Wiener Konzerthaus, 9-11 June 1958. ADD Super Audio CD 3 channel stereo MERCURY LIVING PRESENCE 470 637-2 [54:32] [MC]

A remarkable achievement. Magnificent! ... see Full Review

Nicolai Andreyevich RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844 - 1908) Capriccio Espagnol, Op 34 (1887) [15.00] Piano Concerto in c#, Op 30 (1883) [14.06] The Tale of the Tsar Sultan, Op 57: Suite (1900) [19.49] Sadko, Musical Picture, Op 5 (1869) [12.20] Russian Easter Festival Overture, Op 36 (1888) [14.10] Noriko Ogawa (Steinway D piano) Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra/Kees Bakels Tan Eng, piano technician. Notes in English, Deutsch, Français. Photos of artists. Recorded in Petronas Hall, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 2003 BIS-CD-1387 [76.42] [PSh]

A superlative new version of these venerable orchestral showpieces. If you can, wait for the SACD ... see Full Review


Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) The Great Rossini Overtures
La gazza ladra (The Thieving Magpie) Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) La scala di seta (The Silken Ladder) Eduardo e Cristina, L'italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers) Semiramide, Tancredi, La donna del lago (The Lady of the Lake) Guillaume Tell (William Tell) Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra/Ola Rudner Recorded March and October 2002 in the Federation Concert Hall, Hobart, Tasmania ABC CLASSICS 476 259-9 [76.23] [RJF]

Given the clear open recording there is much to enjoy here even if the interpretations are rather strait-laced. ... see Full Review

Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Il Barbiere di Siviglia – comic opera in two acts (1816) [143:56] John Charles Thomas (Figaro), Bruno Landi (Almaviva), Josephine Tuminia (Rosina), Salvatore Boccaloni (Bartolo), Ezio Pinza (Basilio), Wilfred Engelman (Fiorello), Irra Petina (Berta), John Dudley (Officer), Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra/Gennaro Papi Recorded live at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, 1st March 1941 Friedrich von FLOTOW (1812-1883) Martha: Il suo sguardo* [4:55], M’appari [4:15] Bruno Landi (tenor), Vivian Della Chiesa (soprano)*, San Francisco Opera Orchestra/Gaetano Merola From a Standard Hour broadcast, 10th September 1944 GUILD GHCD 2296/97 [76:29 + 76:37] [CH]

The very fact that you are unlikely to hear a performance anything like this today is justification for hearing this one. ... see Full Review

Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Comic Opera in Two Acts [128 :28] Luigi Infantino (Il Conte d’Almaviva), Carlo Badioli (Bartolo), Giulietta Simionato (Rosina), Giuseppe Taddei (Figaro), Antonio Cassinelli (Basilio), Piero Poldi (Fiorello), Renata Broilo (Berta) Orchestra Sinfonica e Coro di Milano della RAI/Fernando Previtali Recorded in Milan, Italy, 10th October 1950 WARNER FONIT 5050467-1050-2-7 [65:07 + 63:21] [CH]

One for Taddei fans. ... see Full Review

Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Maometto II (1822 Venice version) [166:40] Denis Sedov (Maometto, bass), Anna-Rita Gemmabella (Calbo, contralto), Luisa Islam-Ali-Zade (Anna Erisso, mezzo-soprano), Massimiliano Barbolini (Paolo Erisso, tenor), Antonio De Gobbi (Condulmiero, bass), Cesare Ruta (Selimo, tenor) Czech Philharmonic Choir, Brno, Czech Chamber Soloists/Brad Cohen Recorded live in Kurhaus Bad Wildbad on 15th, 17th and 20th July 2002 NAXOS 8.660149-51 [3 CDs: 71:58 + 26:12 + 68:30] [CH]

A notable opera enters the catalogue in a version worthy of the occasion. ... see Full Review

Gioachino ROSSINI (1792-1868) Il Signor Bruschino or Il Figlio per azzardo. Farsa giocosa in One Act (1813) Florville, Sofia's beloved, Alessandro Codeluppi (ten); Gaudenzio, Sofia's tutor, Maurizio Leoni (bar); Sofia, Elena Rossi (sop); Signer Bruschino, Dario Giorgelè (bass); Filiberto, inn-keeper, Antonio Marani, (bar) Marianna, a maid, Clara Giangaspero (mez); Bruschino Figlio, Signor Bruschino son, Massimiliano Barbolini (ten) I Virtuosi Italiani/Claudio Desderi Recorded in the Auditorium Pandurera, Cento(Ferrara) Italy, on 4th May 2002 NAXOS OPERA CLASSICS 8.660128 [79.43] [RJF]

This last of Rossini’s one act farces is well worth hearing for its musical innovations and innate virtues. ... see Full Review

Nino ROTA (1911-1979) Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) (1963) French/Italian film Directed by Luchino Visconti Starring Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon and Claudia Cardinale Digital restoration of complete film from original 70mm negative materials overseen by the film’s director of photography, Giuseppe Rotunno, and presented in its original wide screen aspect ratio Italian language with English subtitles. BFI (BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE) BFIVD595 [178 mins plus extra material] [IL]

One of the 20th century’s major films with a powerful score by Nino Rota now splendidly refurbished – except for the music sound quality and questionably complete. ... see Full Review

Anton RUBINSTEIN (1829 - 1894) The Demon, opera in prologue and three acts (1871) [142.29] text by P. Viskovatov after the poem by Lermontov. Sung in Russian. Tamara - Tatiana Talachadze The Angel - Elena Gribova The Demon - Alexey Ivanov Prince Goudal - Sergei Krassovsky Chorus and Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow/Alexander Melik-Pashayev Recorded in Moscow, Russia, 1950 ADD Track list and synopsis in Cyrillic Russian and English; no texts. Photos of singers. GREAT HALL MVT CD 030-031 [71.40 + 70.49] [PSh]

Interesting and effective music by a composer better known for his instrumental works ... see Full Review

The Complete Music of Rubbra and Britten for Recorder The Flautadors; Dante Quartet; Laurence Cummings, harpsichord; Susanna Pell, viola da gamba; Patricia Rozario, soprano Recorded at All Saints Church, East Finchley, November 2003 DUTTON LABORATORIES CDLX 7142 [74.10] [GH]

Good to hear these works ... rare and beautifully played ... recording excellent. I heartily recommend this fascinating project. ... see Full Review

 

 

Detailed listing (last two days)]
[Part 1 New]  [Part 2 A-B] [Part 3 C-L]
[Part 4 M-R]  [Part 5 S-Z]
[Part 6 Misc A-L]  [Part 7 Misc M-Z]



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